Dec 2017
Welcome to the glorious world of *Enter the Gungeon*, a game that takes the concept of shooting everything in sight to a whole new level! Craving chaos and mayhem wrapped in cute pixel art? Look no further. In this article, we'll be exploring the bullet-riddled corridors of the Gungeon, where you'll literally dodge bullets and collect guns that spit out rainbows. Yep, you read that right. Rainbows. Buckle up, because it’s time to navigate death, insanity, and chaos—all with a smile on your face and a gun in your hand!
*Enter the Gungeon* is a top-down bullet hell shooter where players select from a cast of quirky characters known as Gungeoneers who share a disturbing obsession: killing their past. Why, you might ask? Because, apparently, we can't let history repeat itself, right? Each Gungeoneer has unique starting weapons and abilities, which is great if you want to mix up your play style or just have fun discovering which one suits your chaotic personality best. The main goal? Navigate through five procedurally generated floors, each bursting with over 20 uniquely designed rooms filled with a menagerie of bullet-shaped enemies called Gundead. Let's face it, the enemies could use some self-esteem boosting, but who can judge when they show up literally shooting at you? The gameplay loop is as follows: enter a room, dodge bullets, shoot back, and rinse and repeat. Enemies fire deadly patterns, which means you'll need to channel your inner Neo from *The Matrix* while using dodge rolls to avoid their attacks. Think of it as a dance-off, but instead of busting out smooth moves, you're just trying not to die. Each level culminates in a boss fight where you'll want to display your best chaotic maneuvers to survive and proceed to the next floor. Has a satisfying whiff of *Dark Souls*, right? Just when you feel like you might have cracked the code of one encounter, the next boss shows up with a whole new set of tricks to remind you who’s boss. Oh, and don’t forget about permadeath! That's right, you die, you start over at square one. Life is cruel, isn’t it? The game shines through its unique weapons and items—over 200 of them! You’ll find conventional guns, like pistols, alongside strange inventions like the *Unicorn Horn* that fires rainbows (have I mentioned rainbows yet?). New items can be acquired from defeated enemies, chests, and shops, making every run feel fresh and exciting—until you inevitably fall victim to the relentless Gungeon.
Visually, *Enter the Gungeon* is a feast for pixel art enthusiasts! It manages to balance a chaotic, vibrant palette while presenting a charming yet menacing world. The design is reminiscent of classic 8-bit games, but with a modern flair that makes it feel fresh and inviting. Bullets and explosions are animated beautifully, giving you a kaleidoscope of colors and effects that keep your eyes glued to the screen as you maneuver through the mayhem. Let’s be real; who doesn’t enjoy a little eye candy while they dive headfirst into enemy fire? The characters are equally notable: each has a distinct visual style that reflects their unique abilities and quirks. The sound design is equally impressive, featuring earwormy tunes that’ll make you want to jam out as you blast through your foes. Seriously, the audio complements the visuals perfectly, creating a harmonious world of chaos and joy. If my ears could dance, they would!
Concluding this whirlwind journey through the wild, wacky, and wonderfully bullet-ridden Gungeon, it’s safe to say that *Enter the Gungeon* is a masterclass in roguelike game design. With its unique humor, engaging gameplay mechanics, and totally rad graphics, it delivers a satisfying experience that encourages you to keep diving back in, even with the rage-induced tears of defeat. Perfect for short gaming sessions or an all-nighter with friends (pass the popcorn and prepare for the carnage!), it’s a bullet hell that deserves a place in your library. Honestly, if you're an 18-year-old looking for something to make you laugh, cry, and potentially toss your controller, I can’t recommend it enough. If you haven’t had a chance to enter the Gungeon yet, grab your Switch and let the chaos unfold. And remember, when in doubt: dodge, roll, and shoot like there's no tomorrow!
Another SquareThought Site